Tobiyama Castle, Medieval castle in Utsunomiya, Japan
Tobiyama Castle is a medieval fortress in Utsunomiya with stone walls and moats laid out in a rectangular plan. The grounds include a Historical Experience Center with exhibits and reconstructed structures that show how the garrison operated.
The castle was built between 1293 and 1298 by Haga Takatoshi, a vassal of the Utsunomiya clan, to secure strategic control over the region. It remained a major fortification until its destruction in 1590.
The site displays traditional Japanese fortification layout with seven separate sections divided by dry moats. This arrangement was typical for medieval defensive structures in the region.
Visitors can explore the grounds and examine the reconstructed buildings and earthwork fortifications up close. The Historical Experience Center provides information and exhibits that help you understand the layout and importance of the castle.
Archaeological excavations have revealed ninth-century structures beneath the medieval remains, showing that people settled here long before the castle was built. These findings indicate the location was valued for its strategic position across different time periods.
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